Northwest Computer Museum

This museum is a little gem. A myriad of systems, devices, peripherals up and running for you to try out. We could have spent all day... weekend, shop and cafe to keep you refreshed too. Very knowledgeable people that are very friendly. We will definitely be returning. Thank you.

Matt Holt

3 months ago

I wasn't sure what to expect from this museum, but as soon as I walked in a smile spread across my face and is still there now. The owner is brilliant and very passionate about the museum. There are computers and consoles from the 70s through to VR of today, all free to play with. Cost in is £7 for adults. The cafe is decent too, we will definitely be going back.

David Shaw

3 months ago

I visited the Northwest Computer Museum today, as part of a large home education group. Despite there being almost 40 children and their parents/guardians, which could have been chaos, everything was so well-run and the day was fantastic. As a late-30s mum that was a massive computer geek in childhood, walking into this museum was an experience filled with nostalgia. I found my old games consoles, the first computer we ever had at home, and examples similar to the computers I used at school - plus, so much memorable software on display! Meanwhile, whilst I looked around and the memories flooded back, my daughter enjoyed being able to actually touch things, play games, test keyboards, press buttons, and not have to listen to people telling her not to go near things. Such a welcome experience - she was able to really see and feel what the computers and consoles were like, instead of just staring at them and reading about them! The owner gave a fantastic and fun tour, filled with interesting facts, so adults and children alike came away with new knowledge, and the children had a chance to enjoy a short coding lesson on the old computers, which was at the perfect level for them. It was clear that everyone at the museum was passionate about what they were doing, and about sharing valuable knowledge with visitors. It's so good to see a museum where the staff aren't just staff, but people that actually light up when they talk about the collection. Also worth noting are the food prices. We ate before our visit as I wasn't sure we were getting a designated eating time, but this was built into our visit and I noticed that the café prices were very reasonable. Often we try to avoid eating out at museums and attractions, because as a home educating family visiting several places a week the costs really mount up and so many places are over-priced, but this clearly isn't one of those places. I ended up choosing to buy snacks, and will definitely buy meals next time we visit. Looking forward to returning!

Cheryl Lewis

5 months ago

Absolute gem in the Northwest! Based in a mill, from the very start we were warmly welcomed and ushered through the journey of the development of computers. Joe and Helen are amazing, bringing the history of computers to life to the next generation. Immersive and interactive experience. With a cafe facility, we felt right at home. Kids loved it and so did we. Highly recommend a visit.

Seema Azam

5 months ago

An amazing treasure trove of all things computing from yesteryear! Features machines from the 1980s, arcade consoles from the 1990s and to present day, plus a lovely little cafe, education centre and virtual reality room. A brilliant day out for parents and children, for a school class, or for the older folks amongst us who remember their Atari, Commodore and Spectrum computers fondly. 😊

Richard Tubb

7 months ago

A brilliant hands on retro computer museum. Loads to check out and play on. And a great experience for seeing some unusual and rare machines. Plus a couple of 80s arcade machines, programming room and VR system. Very welcoming and friendly people on hand to talk you through any of the exhibits. Would definitely visit again when I'm in the area.

Paul J

7 months ago

Lots of old computers to play with, very friendly staff and freshly prepared food in the cafe area. The deluxe ham and cheese toasties were superb! Signage is poor, so use your satnav and beware the museum is on the fourth floor. The huge building is multi-occupancy so it's not obvious from outside that you've arrived at the right place.

Simon Williams

8 months ago

Really cool place and great for the price. You can play loads of games on loads of different consoles. There are many playable consoles including, commodor 64, ZX spectrum, atari, SNES & NES, megadrive and many more. You can play on the vr to it's really great! Definitely worth the price, I'd recommend it to old and new game fans.

Fraz

8 months ago

Fantastic computer museum offering hands on experience with many systems down the ages. The staff are incredibly friendly and very knowledgeable. They also have a nice little cafe, a great library of books and magazines and a shop with electronics.

Jonathan Harden

8 months ago

Awesome historical collection of computer and gaming hardware. All hands on and definitely has a wow factor when you walk in. Very helpful staff and facilities (cafe, toilets and parking). Worth a visit

Aaron Phillips

8 months ago

This was a brilliant experience, so much to do and so much fun. Took me right to the 80s playing computer games from my childhood. Also, enjoyed playing all the other games in this gem of a place. There's even a little arcade with a number of arcade games eg Space Invaders. There's loads of old working computers to try out from back in the day. There's even a little cafe for refreshments and you can spend all day there. It is very educational and I would recommend for all. The staff are brilliant too.

Andrea Blue

9 months ago

This is a great spot to spend a few hours, especially with younger folk who have never seen such a variety of computers. It's interactive, educational, fun and nostalgic, great setup and has a cafe. Really enjoyed

shaun morgan

9 months ago

As someone who isn't particularly interested in computers, I was really surprised how much I enjoyed my visit! Huge range of resources with thoughtful ways to engage people, including lots of bygone machines to play around with, retro video games, 3D printing, a library, electronics kits and components available to purchase, and a café area for snacks. I'm pretty sure there's something to interest everyone. (Also bonus points for having the cutest website I've ever seen)

Em F

9 months ago

The North West Computer Museum is a remarkable haven for computer enthusiasts and retro gamers alike. Compared to other computer history museums I've explored around the world (USA, Japan, more), its hands-on interactive experience truly sets it apart. The museum boasts an impressive collection of computers and retro games that will transport you back to the golden era of gaming. The opportunity to play on a wide range of playable computers and indulge in classic BASIC programming is a rare treat. Additionally, the museum's curated collection of books provides ample resources to delve deeper into computer history and gaming culture. If you're seeking a memorable journey through the evolution of computing and an immersive trip down memory lane with retro games, look no further than the North West Computer Museum. It's a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for the fascinating world of computers and gaming.

Shaun Webb

9 months ago

Love visiting here! You can get to play with your childhood computers again, and there's an arcade too. Even if you kids aren't into retro computing, they'll soon take to the free arcade machines or Mincraft.

Jason Ratcliffe

11 months ago

Fascinating place! I had an old computer that I had been trying to find a home for and they very kindly took it. When we called in to drop it off it was fascinating to see all the different computers that they had on show, including loads of computers and consoles that you could use.

Caroline Stead

1 year ago

Spectacular! It was enthralling to see the computers I owned in my childhood, and not only that but to use them too! There are a rich collection of computers here, from the past to the technologies of today. The volunteers are helpful and informative. There is lots of information around the computers on display, and they are due to add more features. It was interesting to see a room being used to teach programming, and in a very easy to follow way. You could literally spend the whole day there. I had a wonderful time reminiscing.

Graham Phillips

1 year ago

Visited today and what an amazing museum of computing this is. The collection of computers and consoles is fantastic and sure did bring back the memories of when I first began getting into computers in the mid 80's. From seeing my first computer (the Sinclair ZX Spectrum +) and also the Amiga 500, Amiga 1200, and then also the early-mid 90s PCs (ahh and the good old Voodoo Graphics 3d-fx cards). This place definitely made me smile and reminisce. They also have a large selection of original games that can be played on the computers/consoles too. Even a room which contained BBCs for bringing back the memories of school too. Highly recommended. The staff who run this place are also extremely friendly and welcoming. Keep up the amazing work. I look forward to visiting again in the future when the arcade area opens too.

Robert Baker

1 year ago

Visited on Saturday. Lots of room on the carpark. A great selection of retro computers and games consoles that brought back memories of getting my first computer in the 80s. A varied selection of computers and games to try out, plus some more recent consoles and virtual reality to try too. Had a nice coffee and chat with Joe (Museum Director) who is very knowledgeable about the history of computers, and was telling us about the hard opening and future plans. Sadly they haven't been able to get the arcade games installed yet due to issues with the lift, but still lots to keep you occupied. One thing to note, this is an old mill so be aware it is a little chilly, make sure you have a jacket on. Had a lovely time and would recommend.

Chris Walker

1 year ago

We visited today in half term and ended up spending a good 4 hours here. What a fantastically unique find this is! We love how very SEND-friendly the atmosphere is and how accommodating it is for young people on the autistic spectrum. Super friendly, kind staff. Our boys loved having a go on the retro consoles that we grew up with decades ago. Will definitely return. Thank you.

Shirley Murray

1 year ago

Wonderful place. Tucked out of the way, and quite a trek up the stairs, but worth it. Wasn't left disappointed. Dozens of old computers lined across lots of tables, with the oldest dating from 1975! A few old video game consoles too, like the PS2, and some others that I don't remember the name of. There's also a free section which has Minecraft on 4 PCs. Definitely returning.

J H (Northerner Transport Hub)

1 year ago

Good to visit just think the £7 entry fee was a bit steep.

Michael Binks

1 year ago

Good collection of computers, if you grew up anytime from the 1970s then you'll remember a lot of the items they have on display. The best thing is you can get hands on with them! Really interesting to watch kids playing games that we played, although they didn't have to type them in from a listing! They have a huge range of software and will let you load pretty much anything to have a go. I'll be back to play Loderunner!

Dave Parker

1 year ago

If you're interested in retro tech this is a must-see. I don't know of anywhere else with the sheer numbers of vintage PCs, all working for you to play around with. Hours of fun for enthusiasts and lots to see and do for anyone wanting to learn more about the history of home computing.

Steven Tomlinson

1 year ago

Fantastic retro computer museum. Excellent choice to view old retro computers and associated hardware. Based in an old mill on the fourth floor. No disabled access if lift is out of order. Small cafe onside. Small arcade to arrive shortly. Recommended for all ages.

Luke Matthews

1 year ago

It was like stepping back in time! Wow we have come a long way in the computing world in my lifetime. Took the grandkids along - probably a bit too young at 6 - they moved on to the next game effort the current one had finished loading! No patience these days.....Well worth a trip down memory lane. Be warned its on the 4th floor, a long way up if the lift isn't working!

Gary Bamford

1 year ago

I visited the soft launch on Saturday 28 Jan, around 10:30am. A nice selection of retro computers although there were quite a few that were just out on display and not turned on. I imagine that this will improve over time. The car park was very busy. It probably takes 2 to 3 hours to see everything, maybe longer if you take more time to play on the computers. Be sure to wear a jacket as it is cold in the mill.

Stephen

1 year ago